1. automotive and vehicles
2. motorcycles

The information in this publication is
offered for the benefit of those who
have an interest in motorcycles. The
information has been compiled from
publications, interviews and
observations of individuals and
organizations familiar with the use of
motorcycles and training. Because
there are many differences in product
design, riding styles, federal, state and
local laws, there may be organizations
and individuals who hold differing
opinions. Consult your local regulatory
agencies concerning the operation of
motorcycles in your area.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is
a national, not-for-profit organization
promoting the safety of motorcycles
with programs in rider training,
operator licensing and public
information. The MSF is sponsored by
BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda,
Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki,
Triumph, Victory, and Yamaha.
ForEwOrd
T
You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips
his booklet or materials in this
booklet may not be reproduced, for
resale or otherwise, without the
express written permission of the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
1
Table of contents
ForEwOrd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
IntroductioN . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
THE RIDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
What To Wear When You Ride
Helmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Eye Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gloves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Boots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Raingear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hearing Protection . . . . . . . . . 10
High-Visibility Gear . . . . . . . . . . 11
YOU AND YOUR LEGAL
RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . .
2
12
Licensing Requirements . . . . . . 13
Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE 14
The Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Shifting Gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Checking the Bike
Before the Ride . . . . . . . . . 19
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
THE HIGHWAY, BYWAY, STREET
AND ALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
The SEE System . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increasing Your Visibility
to Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Helping You to See Others . . .
Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing Other Vehicles . . . . . .
Night Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
26
28
30
31
33
34
Emergency Braking . . . . . . . . . 35
Braking While Leaned
Into a Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Coping With a Skid . . . . . . . . . 36
Riding Across Poor
Road Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . 38
Steel Bridge Gratings
and Rain Grooves . . . . . . . 40
Rain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
GROUP RIDING AND
PASSENGERS . . . . . . . . . .
46
Riding in a Group . . . . . . . . . . 46
Carrying a Passenger . . . . . . . 49
LOADING THE
MOTORCYCLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
Drugs, DRINKING
AND RIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motorcycle Skill Test
Practice Guide . . . . . . . . . .
Table of contents
HANDLING SPECIAL
SITUATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
57
EQUIPMENT FAILURES . . . .
44
Blowouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Stuck Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Broken Clutch Cable . . . . . . . . 45
3
INTRODUCTION
You and Your Motorcycle
A Few Tips for Keeping Your Relationship a Happy One
C
ongratulations! You have gained admission to the wonderful world of
motorcycling. You are going to have a marvelous time.
You also have some new responsibilities, which is what this little booklet is
all about.
Motorcycling has grown more and more popular in recent years. We’re very glad
to see the increase in the number of people who enjoy it. However, we’re also
interested in keeping this a safe activity.
4
INTRODUCTION
The way to do this is to tell the rider – whether novice or
experienced – about operating a motorcycle safely. Your enjoyment, and your safety, depends on mastering not only the art of
motorcycling but also the realities of the traffic around you.
The staff at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has prepared
this booklet to provide you – the motorcycle rider – with
important tips that can help you to ride safely. Read these
pages carefully. Thirty minutes spent reading this information
can be one of the most valuable half-hours of learning you have
ever had.
5
The Rider
R
The Rider - That’s you!
iding a motorcycle properly is a skill you can learn. It’s not something you are
born with, like having red hair or blue eyes. It takes thinking and practice to
ride one well. Unfortunately, many riders never learn the critical skills to ride safely
and enjoy the sport to its fullest.
The best thing you can do is take a quality, hands-on training course in a controlled, off-street environment. Beginning riders can take the Basic RiderCourse
developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
SM
People who have been riding for some time can also benefit from taking one of
the many other available MSF RiderCourses. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
The courses cover topics such as:
effective turning techniques
protective gear
traffic strategies
6
special riding situations
effective braking techniques
evasive maneuvers
find the ridercourse nearest you by calling
(800) 446-9227,
or by visiting msf-usa.org.
HELMET
Around the block or around the world,
it makes sense to leave home with a
helmet on your head. IT’S ONE OF
THE BEST ITEMS OF PROTECTION
YOU CAN USE.
Helmets come in all sizes, from
extra small (XS) to extra large (XL).
There are also helmets for children.
When you buy a helmet, make sure it
fits properly. Try it on; it should be
comfortable to wear, neither too tight
nor too loose. Remember, it is going
to spend a lot of time on your head.
A full-face helmet gives the most
protection since it covers all of the
head and face.
The Rider
What To Wear When You Ride
Proper gear is essential to safe riding. Wearing the right clothing always makes the
sport more enjoyable and more comfortable, too.
Always fasten the helmet strap. If
the helmet is not secured, it is doing
about as much good as if it were on
the shelf at home.
Did you know that all adult-sized
motorcycle helmets now sold in the
United States must have a sticker
indicating DOT (Department of
Transportation) compliance, which
means that the helmet meets certain
basic impact standards? Don’t buy a
helmet without one; it may not meet
standards. Helmets vary greatly in
7
The Rider
price and style. Buy one that suits
you. Wear it. Fasten it every time you
throw a leg over the motorcycle.
A good helmet makes motorcycling
a lot more pleasurable because it cuts
down on the wind noise and greatly
reduces rider fatigue. The days of
heavy or cumbersome helmets are
gone; they’re now made of light new
materials with terrific designs and colors to choose from.
If you do drop your helmet onto a
hard surface, or it receives a heavy
blow, it is probably time to buy a new
one. A motorcycle helmet is designed
to absorb the impact of a blow, and a
helmet should only do that once. If in
doubt, get a new one.
8
EYE PROTECTION
Riding with bare eyeballs is a gamble.
Your eyes are precious, and it does not
take much to injure one.
A windshield on a motorcycle is not
eye protection; a bit of sand or tiny
piece of glass can whip in behind it
and get in your eye.
Proper eye protection means an
approved shield on your helmet, a pair
of goggles, or shatterproof glasses.
Settling for less just isn’t worth the risk.
Make sure your eye protection is
clean and unscratched. If you use a
tinted lens or shield for riding in the
bright sunlight, take a clear one along
as well, in case you are riding after
dark.
PANTS
Motorcycle jackets are
made in many sturdy materials: denim, nylon in its
various guises, corduroy, and
leather. The hide of a cow, or
any other commonly used
leather, offers you the most
protection when it comes to
abrasion. You can buy
leather jackets with
zippered vents,
which are comfortable to wear
even in hot
weather as they
allow a breeze
to flow through.
These should be made of a thick
material, such as leather. They
resist abrasion and provide
protection from the elements.
A pair of loose, light cotton
pants that flap in the wind is
not very good riding gear.
A number of companies sell
leather riding pants, and
you can get pants and
jacket combinations that
zip together.
The Rider
JACKET
Some riders choose jackets
and pants with rigid "body
armor" inserts in critical areas
for additional protection.
9
The Rider
GLOVES
RAINGEAR
Always wear gloves. Even on a hot day.
The car in front of you may throw up a
stone that hits your fingers. Ouch! Also,
bare hands cannot withstand abrasion in
the event of a fall.
It rains everywhere in this country, some
places more than others. Inevitably you
will be caught out in the rain. Why not
have a good motorcycle rainsuit along,
with rain-covers for boots and gloves as
well? It’s a lot more fun riding in the rain
when you’re dry.
BOOTS
Over-the-ankle boots, please. Preferably
made of strong leather. Your ankles are
very complicated; protect them.
A boot with a slippery sole could
cause embarrassment when you put your
foot down at a greasy gas station.
Rubber soles, with a good tread design,
offer better gripping possibilities.
10
hearing protection
Long-term exposure to engine and wind
noise can cause permanent hearing
damage, even if you wear a full-face
helmet. Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custom-molded
devices, proper protection reduces noise,
while allowing you to hear important
sounds like car horns. Make sure you
follow your state’s laws when using
hearing protection.
The better people see you,
the less likely they are to run
into you. Brightly colored
clothing is preferable to drab,
dark clothing.
The Rider
HIGH-VISIBILITY GEAR
You can buy special vests
which are designed to make
it easier for others to see you.
Some military bases feel
strongly about this feature
and require all motorcyclists
to wear them.
For nighttime, you can buy
clothing that reflects light,
and put reflective strips on
your helmet and the backs of
your boots. Every little bit
helps.
11
Legal responsibilities
12
You and Your Legal Responsibilities
D
on’t forget, driving is a privilege,
not a right. You have to prove
your competence before your license
is issued. If you ignore the laws of
your state, your license may be taken
from you.
Laws are intended to protect you,
not to harass you. You may be the
best and safest rider in the country, but
these laws are to keep incompetent,
dangerous drivers off the streets.
Licensing Requirements
These vary from state to state. Most
states require a separate license in
order to operate a motorcycle. Go and
get one. Drop by your local department of motor vehicles and ask for
licensing information. You put yourself, your wallet, and your insurance at
risk if you choose to violate the law.
If your state requests it, take the
written test. And the riding test. Get
your motorcycle operator’s license.
Become a full-fledged member of the
motorcycling fraternity. Some states
will waive the riding and/or written test
if you complete the Basic RiderCourse.
Insurance
The registration is easy; pay your
money, and you get a license plate to
bolt onto the back of the bike.
Insurance is harder, but most states
require liability insurance. (Check your
state’s laws.) Shop around for it.
Some companies give a discount if
you’ve taken an MSF RiderCourse.
You can also get other coverage on
you and your bike: comprehensive,
collision, medical payments, uninsured
driver (the other guy), and more. Ask
your insurance agent what each type
of coverage can do for you, and how
much it will cost.
Legal responsibilities
Just think of the chaos if we didn’t
have these laws. Respect them.
The better your driving record, the less
costly the insurance. It pays to be safe.
13
Know your Motorcycle
Know Your Motorcycle
T
o be a safe rider, get to know your
motorcycle extremely well. It’s very
different from a car and makes more
demands on the operator. The
motorcycle goes and turns and stops
smoothly according to your degree of
skill and knowledge.
Get to know your owner’s manual; not
all motorcycles are exactly alike. Types
range from large touring bikes and
cruisers to nimble sport bikes and
standard street machines. The manual
gives you many specifics you will find
helpful in understanding and maintaining
the bike you’ve chosen.
A close relative to the motorcycle – the
scooter – is different from most
14
It takes a long time to become
properly familiar with a motorcycle, so
it is best not to lend it or borrow one.
Think of your motorcycle as being as
personal as a toothbrush.
The Controls
Over the years, the basic controls on
motorcycles have been standardized.
Put the bike on the centerstand and
sit on it. Become familiar with the
controls and how to use them. Work
the levers and pedals. If something
isn’t within easy reach of fingers or
toes, maybe it can be adjusted to suit
you. Check your owner’s manual.
Practice with the turn signals. Find
the horn button, so you won’t have to
look for it when somebody starts
backing out in front of you. Figure out
how the headlight dimmer switch
works before it gets dark.
Do become familiar with the
RESERVE fuel valve, if there is one
on your machine. When you are
running along the highway and your
engine burbles, indicating it is running
out of fuel, you want to be able to turn
that reserve on without a second’s
thought. It is not fun or safe to be
fumbling around when you are in gear
and moving.
Know your Motorcycle
motorcycles and you’ll need to find out
its particular features. Most have
automatic transmissions and hand
controls for both brakes. As with other
small-displacement machines, certain
models may not be allowed on highspeed, limited-access highways.
15
Know your Motorcycle
Shifting Gears
Starting off and changing gears
requires coordination of the clutch and
throttle and gearshift lever. If you don’t
do things right, the amount of control
you have over the bike is lessened.
To start off, pull in the clutch, shift
into first gear, roll on the throttle a little,
and ease out the clutch. You will
become familiar with the friction zone
(that’s where the clutch begins to take
hold and move the bike), and you add a
bit more throttle. You don’t want to stall
the engine, nor do you want to overrev
it. There’s a sweet spot in there; find it.
Shift while traveling in a straight line.
Shifting in a curve is not good practice,
and something to be avoided.
Become familiar with the sound
16
of your engine, so you can tell when
you should shift without looking at
your instruments.
When you downshift to a lower gear,
you should (in one swift, smooth movement) be able to squeeze the clutch, rev
the engine a little to let it catch the
lower gear smoothly, and shift down.
When you come to a stop in traffic,
leave the bike in first gear with the
clutch disengaged (just in case you
want to accelerate out of there in a
hurry). Who knows what may be
coming up behind you.
Braking
Don’t ever forget: the front brake on
your motorcycle can supply as much as
70 percent or more of your stopping
power. The single most important
Know your Motorcycle
thing you can learn
about braking is to
use that front brake
every single time you
want to slow down.
Always apply both
the front and the rear
brakes at the same
time. If necessary,
apply them hard, but
not so hard that you
lock up either wheel.
A locked wheel, as
well as causing the
bike to skid, results in
downright inefficient
braking.
The time to take your left foot off
the peg and put it on the ground is just
as the bike comes to a complete stop.
When you have the opportunity,
practice your braking. You can always
get better at it.
17
Know your Motorcycle
18
Turning
When you are riding along the road,
you lean a motorcycle into a turn.
Learning to lean is an essential part of
riding a motorcycle. It is a normal
function of the bike when you are
changing its path of travel – and quite,
quite different from turning the
steering wheel of your car.
To get the motorcycle to lean in a
normal turn, press the handlebar in the
direction of the turn and maintain slight
pressure on that handlebar to take you
smoothly through that particular turn.
In other words: press the right handgrip
to go right; press the left handgrip to go
left. Your instincts to keep the
motorcycle on a smooth path while
keeping it from falling over usually take
care of this without you even noticing it.
(Demonstrate to yourself how a
motorcycle moves by pressing a
handlebar slightly while traveling in a
straight line. The motorcycle will
move in the direction of the handlebar
you pushed.)
Slow down before you enter
the turn; look as far ahead as
possible through the turn.
Keep your feet on the pegs, and
grip the gas tank with your knees.
Lean with the motorcycle; don’t
try to sit perpendicular to the
road while the motorcycle is
leaning over.
Keep an even throttle through the
turn, or even accelerate a little bit.
Who knows when Murphy’s Law may
strike or what nail your tire might have
picked up just before you pulled in the
other evening. It’s not fun to have
things go wrong on a motorcycle, but
if you spend a minute before you go
off on a ride, you can increase the
chances that nothing will.
Any information you’ll need, such
as correct tire pressures or chain
adjustment, you’ll find in your owner’s
manual. As soon as you finish this
booklet, read the manual thoroughly.
You will be much more acquainted
with all the specifics of your
motorcycle, since it might be slightly
different from some other make or
model.
#1 Check the tires.
They are the most
important parts of your bike. If your
engine quits, you roll to a stop. If a
tire quits – trouble! Make the effort to
check the surface of the tires, looking
for cuts in the rubber or foreign objects
– like a nail. Check the tire pressures
with a good gauge. If a tire is low
every time you check it, even though
you have added the proper amount of
air each time, you have a slow leak.
Fix it before it becomes a fast leak.
#2
Check the controls. Cables are
quite strong and rarely break, but look
for kinking or stiffness or anything
unusual in their operation.
Know your Motorcycle
Checking The Bike
Before The Ride
#3
Check your lights, including brake
light, headlights, and turn signals to
make sure everything works. Also check
your horn and adjust the mirrors.
19
Know your Motorcycle
#4
Maintenance
#5
There’s not much to maintain on a dayto-day basis on most modern motorcycles, but do what you can do, including
your pre-ride checks.
Check the oil and fuel and, if the
bike is liquid-cooled, the coolant levels.
If your motorcycle has chain-drive
to the rear wheel, make sure that the
chain is properly tensioned and in
good shape. Chains do need an occasional cleaning and dose of lubrication.
#6 Make sure the sidestand and
centerstand fold up properly, and stay
up. If one of the retraction springs is
weak or broken or missing, replace it.
#7 As you roll off, check your brakes.
Just to make sure they haven’t gone
away.
Now, go enjoy yourself.
20
Your bike has a regular service
schedule, listed in the owner’s
manual. Unless you are an accomplished mechanic, we recommend that
these services be done by an
authorized dealer.
Keeping your bike clean is a good
idea. It’s astounding how dirt can
cover up something that is about to
go wrong.
Check your battery every month.
Make sure the fluid level is where it
should be. If it is low, top it up with
distilled water.
You should always
have your owner ’s
manual with the bike.
It tells you where the
fuse box is, in the
unlikely chance a fuse
blows. It tells you how
to get a wheel off,
should you have the
misfortune of a flat tire.
Know your Motorcycle
Always take your
tool kit along when you
go for a ride. You
never can tell when it
will come in handy.
Use the tools to go
over the bike
occasionally and make
sure no screws or bolts
are loose.
21
Know your Motorcycle
Flat tires are pretty rare
occurrences on motorcycles, but they
can happen. In this case, you can
either get on the phone to the dealer,
or fix it yourself. If you want to know
how to do it, we recommend you
practice at home, rather than have
your first shot at fixing a flat
alongside a deserted road in the
middle of the night.
Troubleshooting
Little things may happen to the bike
that are cause for concern. Don’t
panic until you check out the obvious.
#1 If the engine doesn’t start:
Is the key on?
Is there gas?
Is the battery too weak?
22
Or a battery lead loose?
Have spark plug wires fallen off?
Is the ignition cut-off switch in
the OFF position?
Do you have the choke in the
appropriate position?
#2
If the engine stops when you
don’t want it to:
Did you accidently hit the cut-off
switch?
Did you run out of gas?
Did a fuse burn out?
#3 If the bike begins to feel funny as
you go down the road, especially in a
curve, stop as soon as it is safe to pull
over and check your tires. You may
have a flat. Check your suspension.
You may have it adjusted incorrectly.
#4
If you detect any problems with
the motorcycle – doesn’t feel right,
doesn’t handle right, doesn’t sound
right – that you can’t figure out
yourself, take it to your dealer. Think
about the problem a little, so you can
describe it to the service manager.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is
worth about a ton of cure. Pushing a
motorcycle can get old very fast.
Know your Motorcycle
Your owner’s manual is the best
reference for proper settings and
adjustments.
23
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
24
T
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
his is what it all comes down to: you and the road. There are millions and
millions of miles of roads in this country, from one-lane dirt to 12-lane highway.
When you ride, the surface conditions, traffic, and the weather can be changing.
You have to be constantly aware of a lot of things. Daydreaming when you’re
riding a motorcycle isn’t a good idea. Things happen fast out there on the road,
and you have to be prepared for them.
This SEE strategy is a mental system for safe motorcycling. Use it effectively and
you’ll cover many safer, happy miles on your motorcycle.
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
The SEE System
Here is a good reminder for riding safely in traffic.
25
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
26
Increasing Your
Visibility to Others
What’s the most common
explanation from the automobile driver who just turned in
front of a motorcyclist? “Gee,
officer, I didn’t see him.”
It’s a sad truth. We’re not
as big as a Mack truck, but
we are visible. However, too
often motorists don’t see us
because they aren’t looking
for motorcycles.
You have to attract their
attention.
All motorcycle headlamps
in recent years are hardwired, which means that the
Remember to cancel your signals when
you’ve completed your maneuver,
otherwise drivers are getting false
information from you ... and you could
cause yourself trouble.
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it
again: wear bright clothing and utilize
retroreflective material (it shines when
a beam of light hits it) whenever
appropriate. The biggest thing that a
following driver usually sees is your
back. Make it stand out.
Don’t be shy about using your horn
in some situations. If drivers are
dozing, or about to pull an unthinking
maneuver, give them a BEEP. You
want to make them aware of what they
are doing. And of your presence.
Always signal your intentions.
Change lanes or make a turn using
your turn signals. You want to be sure
that the people around you know what
you are about to do.
And it helps to assist your turn
signals with hand signals at times.
Position your motorcycle where it
can be seen. Don’t put yourself behind
a large truck or ride in the blind spot of
a vehicle near you. Get out there, take
up a whole lane, make yourself seen.
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
headlight goes on whenever the engine
goes on. If you have an earlier model,
turn that headlight on every time you
go out. It helps – even on a bright,
sunny day!
27
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
28
Helping You to
See Others
The other half of
the visibility battle
is being alert and
seeing everything
around you. Use
your eyes effectively. Keep them
moving. Don’t get
fascinated by that
‘53 Corvette off to
your right. Or go
rubber-necking at
an accident scene.
If your eyes are
locked on one
thing, you may be
ignoring some situation that could
affect your ride.
Never let your eyes fix on an object
for more than two seconds. Keep
looking around.
It’s one thing to see, another to
have the time to react. No tailgating.
When you’re riding in town, at
speeds under 40 mph, always keep a
two-second gap between you and the
car in front. For example, when he
goes by a phone pole, count “one-
thousand-one, one-thousand-two” and
then you should pass that pole.
Out on the open road, with higher
speeds, you should adjust your gap to
three or four seconds or more,
depending on your speed. Use the
same reference-point technique to
determine how many seconds behind
you are.
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
Look ahead. Look to the side. Look
in your mirrors. Look over your
shoulders. Keep looking! Anticipate
the oncoming, left-turning driver, the
reckless fool coming up behind you,
the car poking its nose out of the
driveway, the guy beside and a little
behind you who’s moving across the
lane divider.
29
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
30
Intersections
It probably surprises no one to know
that the majority of collisions
between a motorcycle and a car
happen at intersections – the most
frequent situation being that of a
vehicle turning left in front of a
motorcycle.
Any intersection is potentially
hazardous, whether it has stoplights,
or stop signs, or is unmarked.
Always check for traffic coming
from the side, left and/or right.
Check for traffic behind you, to
make sure no one is about to run up
your tailpipe.
The technique for
passing another
vehicle is the same
whether you are
riding a motorcycle
or driving a car.
First, before
passing, you should
be two (or more)
seconds behind the
vehicle you want to
pass, and have
positioned yourself in
the left-hand side of
your lane.
From this position, you have to
check oncoming traffic and the road to
make sure you have enough distance
to pass safely. Don’t even think about
overtaking if a corner is coming up.
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
Passing Other
Vehicles
31
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
32
If you have room ahead to make the
pass, look in your mirrors, turn the
signal on, and always look over your
shoulder. That head check is essential;
somebody in a hot rod might have just
pulled into your blind spot, intent on
overtaking you. Always remember the
head check.
Everything clear? Move into the left
lane and pass the car/truck/buggy/
whatever. Do not crowd close to the
vehicle you are passing; you should be
more or less in the center of the lane
you are passing in. Get by this vehicle
as quickly as possible, without
exceeding the speed limit. If it is a
slow-moving truck in front, you might
want to shift down a gear so you can
accelerate more rapidly as you go
around it.
Before returning to your original
lane, signal your intention and do a
head check to make sure that there is
enough room between you and the
vehicle you just passed. Ever have
someone speed up just after you’ve
overtaken them? Hmmmmm!
Return to your lane, cancel your
signal, and proceed merrily along ...
with care.
Quite often you’ll have to ride at
night. After all, it is dark 50 percent of
the time.
Dusk is really the worst time, when
people’s eyes are adjusting from
daylight to headlights. Be especially
careful just after sunset.
Usually it is advisable to slow down
a little when riding at night, especially
on any sort of winding road.
Use your own headlight and those
of other traffic to keep an eye on the
road surface. It is more difficult at
night to see the patch of sand or
something that fell out of a pickup.
important at night. Give yourself room
to react.
Wear a clear faceshield without
scratches. A scratched shield can
create light refraction that might
confuse you; two headlights can look
like four, and you don’t know who is
coming from where. One of your
biggest hazards at night may be a
“who” coming from a few hours of
drinking. Be especially alert for drivers
and vehicles doing odd things, like
weaving in and out of traffic, and give
them lots of room.
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
Night Riding
The distance between you and the
vehicle in front becomes even more
33
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
34
I
Handling Special Situations
n the best of all worlds the
temperature would always be 78
degrees, the wind would be at our
backs, and no emergencies would
arise. Since it is a slightly imperfect
world we live in, we should be
prepared for whatever happens.
Apply both brakes to their maximum, just short of locking them up.
Practice in an open, good-surfaced
place, such as a clean parking lot.
Keep the motorcycle upright and
traveling in a straight line; and look
where you’re going, not where
you’ve just been.
You don’t want to lock the front
brake. If the wheel does chirp,
release the brake for a split second,
then immediately reapply without
locking it up.
If your rear wheel locks up, do not
release the brake. If your handlebars are straight, you will skid in a
straight line, which is all right. You
have a more important priority and
that is to get stopped! Read on and
we will talk more about “skids.”
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Emergency Braking
Sometimes you have to stop as
quickly as possible. Here are some
tips on how to get you and your
motorcycle halted pronto:
35
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Braking While Leaned
Into a Curve
You should try to avoid this, but
sometimes it might be necessary.
You can brake (with both brakes)
while leaned over, but you must do it
gradually and with less force than if
the bike is standing up straight.
For maximum braking
efficiency in an emergency
(when traffic and roadway
conditions permit), stand
the bike up straight; brake
hard.
Coping With a Skid
36
A skid – that’s when your heart leaps
up to your throat because your
tires have lost traction!
In a highway-speed, sand-in-thecorner skid, steer slightly in the
direction of the skid. (If you’re leaned
to the left and skidding to the right,
turn those handlebars a bit towards the
right.) Chances are you will clear the
patch of sand, the tires will grip the
pavement again, the bike will stand up,
and you’ll continue on your way.
Should you hit a slippery bit while
you’re braking for a stop sign, and one
or both wheels lock up, you want to
get those wheels rolling right away.
Release the brakes for an instant, then
reapply a little more gently. You want
those tires to have traction.
At higher speeds, when traction is
good and the rear wheel skids when
braking hard, do not release the rear
brake.
If your back end is skidding sideways because the tire is on a slick spot
and simply spinning, ease off on the
throttle. A spinning wheel provides no
more control than a locked wheel.
You might be in one of those twomile-per-hour parking lot scenarios, a
mild, low-speed skid when your front
wheel starts to go out from under you.
A foot on the ground may keep the
bike upright and the rubber side down.
This is not an easy thing to do, and
should only be done if all else fails.
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
You might hit a patch of sand on a
mountain curve, or a puddle of oil as
you’re slowing for a stoplight. It’s a
frightening experience on a
motorcycle, but you can handle it.
37
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
38
Riding Across Poor Road Surfaces
Here are a few simple rules you should follow when you anticipate coping with
sand, mud, water or any loose surface or obstruction in the road:
Try to cross the bad surface in a
straight line, or at least do not
change direction or speed abruptly.
If you are moving along and have to
go over an obstruction that is lying
across the road, like a 2x4 piece of
wood, rise up on the footpegs and
shift your weight toward the back of
the saddle as your front wheel
comes up to the obstacle. This will
make it easier for the front wheel to
bounce up and over. Then move
your weight forward to help your
rear wheel get over.
Stay ready to maintain the balance of
the motorcycle.
Do not accelerate until your bike is
completely over the obstacle.
If there is traffic in the area, make
sure that the drivers are aware you
are slowing.
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Downshift and slow before you reach
the problem area.
39
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
40
Steel Bridge Gratings
and Rain Grooves
Steel-mesh bridges can be extremely
unnerving. Keep an even throttle and
keep the bike straight. Don’t grip the
handlebars too hard. If there is a
vibration in the handlebars, do not
fight it. This is a natural feedback
from your tires going over these
thousands of little squares.
Some parts of the country have
rain grooves in the highways. They’re
not very popular among motorcy-
clists. This is when the road surface,
usually concrete, has several dozen
grooves running lengthwise down
each lane. The purpose of the
grooves is to prevent cars and trucks
from losing traction when it rains.
The reaction of the bike to these
grooves often has to do with the tread
pattern on the tires. Sometimes it feels
as though the motorcycle is getting a
flat tire, with a squishy back-and-forth
sideways motion. Don’t worry, just
keep going straight. Don’t fight the handlebars. There is nothing dangerous
about these rain grooves – it just feels
funny to ride on them.
Be most cautious when it first starts
to rain. That is when the water goes
into all the dimples in the road, and the
oil residue from passing vehicles floats
to the top. That gets slippery! A wise
motorcyclist will stop for a cup of coffee
when it starts to rain; who knows, it
could all be over in 15 minutes, and you
won’t even have to put on the rainsuit.
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Rain
Haul out the raingear you’ve stowed in
a handy spot. Make sure your rain
gloves and rain boots fit properly.
Poorly fitted ones can lessen your ability
to brake and shift.
After a while the oil will be washed
off to the side of the road. However,
traction on a wet surface may not be as
good as on a dry road. Be careful.
41
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
42
Wind
Strong winds can create problems for
a motorcyclist. A constant 25-mph
wind from the side can make for lessthan-happy riding. Gusty wind is the
worst. You might have to lean a bit
into the wind to maintain your position.
Keep the motorcycle on the side of the
lane that the wind is coming from.
This is in case a big blast moves you
over a bit. Expect it and be ready to
react.
Animals
The biggest problem is with domestic
animals. Most seem to have an urge
to chase motorcycles. Those that don’t
chase often are known to blunder into
the path of moving vehicles. Don’t let
one distract you and cause a spill.
Here are three rules:
#1
Slow down well before you
reach the animal.
#2
Do not – repeat – do not kick
at the animal.
#3
If the animal looks like he’s
going to intercept you, speed up
just as you are about to reach
him. It will throw his timing off.
If a deer jumps out in front of you
on a country road, but is far enough
ahead not to be worried about –
watch out for its mate. They tend to
travel in pairs. Hitting a deer with a
motorcycle is a tough way to put
venison on the table.
43
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Equipment Failures
I
Equipment Failures
f your motorcycle is properly
maintained, you greatly reduce the
possibility of any equipment failure.
However, just in case ...
Blowouts
If you use tires of good quality, keep
them at the proper pressure, and
change them when the tread is worn,
the chances of having a blowout
are small.
However, should it happen to either
of your tires, you must act quickly
and properly.
44
#1
Do not use the brakes; braking
hard will only make things worse. If
you must use some brake, apply
gradual pressure to the brake on the
good tire and ease over to a safe
spot to stop.
#2
Ease off on the throttle and slow
down gradually; rapid deceleration
could throw the bike out of control.
#3 Hold those handlebars firmly; a
great shuddering may take place as
the out-of-round tire flops against
the pavement, but you are concerned only with keeping that front
wheel pointed ahead until you stop.
That is why all contemporary
motorcycles have a cut-off switch by
the right thumb. Just in case. Practice
flipping the cut-off switch. Chances
are you will never have a throttle stick,
but if you do, you’ll know how to deal
with it.
As you hit the cut-off switch, pull in
the clutch (you will probably be in
gear); then look for a safe place to
coast to a stop.
Broken Clutch Cable
Imagine you are cruising along in fifth
gear; you want to shift down; you pull
in the clutch lever – and there is no
return action. It just lies up against
the handgrip.
No fun, but not dangerous. You can
shift the bike without a clutch. This is
not advisable unless necessary, but it
can be done. Back off on the throttle
and shift down a gear.
Equipment Failures
Stuck Throttle
Most riders have had bad dreams
about this, but few have experienced
the problem.
If you have a sensitive foot, you can
probably find neutral before coming to
a complete stop. If not, get set for a
jerky halt.
45
Group Riding & Passengers
46
A
Group Riding & Passengers
s we said earlier, motorcycling is a
sociable sport, so chances are very
good you’ll soon be riding with friends
on their motorcycles, and have others
who want to be passengers.
As with any sport, it’s nice if the
participants all have a general idea of
what to do.
Riding in a Group
It is useful if, before taking off on a
group ride, you get two or three hand
signals organized amongst the
participants: “let’s stop; need gas;
I’m hungry.”
A few rules for the group:
Ride in a staggered formation, with
first bike on the left side of the lane,
second on the right side, etc., but
not side by side.
Group Riding & Passengers
Riding in a group of more than five
motorcycles can become confusing
both for the group and other traffic
around you. If there are too many
people, break it up into smaller
groups.
Always keep at least a two-second
following distance from the motorcycle directly in front of you.
47
Group Riding & Passengers
48
At a stoplight or stop sign,
wait in pairs.
Pass other vehicles individually,
when safe – not in pairs or groups.
Company is always nice. Some
company weighs 100 pounds,
other company weighs 200
pounds.
Putting extra weight on the
motorcycle will affect the
handling. Adjust your
suspension and tire pressures to
compensate for the amount of
company you’ve brought along.
(Check your owner’s manual.)
Also realize that your braking
capabilities have changed; take
that into account. The more
weight you have on the
motorcycle, the longer it may
take to stop.
Group Riding & Passengers
Carrying
a Passenger
49
Group Riding & Passengers
50
Passengers should be instructed to
always mount from the same side,
and to warn you before they climb
on. This goes a long way to
preventing a muddled heap lying on
the ground.
Show them where the hot things
are – like header pipes and mufflers.
Caution passengers against coming in
contact with the hot parts to prevent
any injuries. Also, rubber soles can
melt and leave a mess.
Passengers need the same protection that you do – proper clothes and
helmet. Ten-foot scarves flapping in
the wind may look dashing, but not on
a motorcycle. You don’t want shoe
laces or loose pants legs catching on
rear wheel or chain parts.
Instruct passengers to hold onto
you at your waist or hips, or the bike's
hand-holds. Ask them to lean forward
slightly when you leave from a stop or
accelerate along the highway.
Never carry anyone sidesaddle.
Passengers should always straddle
the bike with their feet securely
planted on the footrests. Tell
passengers not to put a foot down
when you come to a stop.
Also, when you brake, passengers
should be firmly braced against
your waist and should lean back
slightly. You don’t want their weight
to shift forward.
Advise passengers not to lean
unless you do. You do not want the
person behind hanging off the bike at
Group Riding & Passengers
30 degrees; that will do funny things
to the steering. However, when you
lean going around a corner, passengers should definitely lean as well. So
have them look over your shoulder in
the direction of the turn when you go
through a corner; that will put the
weight where you want it.
51
Loading the Motorcycle
52
W
Loading the Motorcycle
hether it is a carton of milk from
the convenience store, or
camping gear for a three-week trip,
you will end up carrying more than
people on your motorcycle.
All loads should be tied to the
machine. Do not balance a bag of
groceries between your legs for a
short ride home. Strap it to the back
seat with bungee cords or an
elasticized cargo net.
A great carrying device is the tank
bag. It puts the weight where it should
be – near the bike’s center of gravity.
Make sure it is properly secured and
remember never to carry anything on
the gas tank or inside the fairing that
might interfere with the steering of the
bike. Just imagine what happens if the
bars won’t turn far enough – big
trouble.
When you load saddlebags, keep
equal weight on both sides. This is
even more important when you are
using soft throw-over bags, as an
imbalance can cause one side to drop
down and rest on the muffler. A
blazing saddlebag is no joke.
Keep the weight relatively light in
your travel trunk or on your luggage
rack. Being aft of the rear axle, this is
the worst place on the motorcycle to
carry much weight. It can turn a well-
Loading the Motorcycle
There are appropriate places to
carry loads on a motorcycle, but they
do not include your front forks or
fenders. If your machine comes with
saddlebags a travel trunk, you’re set. If
you have none of this, you can always
buy a luggage rack or throw-over
bags; they are very useful items.
53
Loading the Motorcycle
54
handling motorcycle into a poorhandling terror. Sleeping bags go
great back there; a 50-pound sack of
dog food does not.
Check the security of the load
frequently, and make sure nothing is
dangling. It is one thing to lose part of
your luggage, quite another to get it
tangled up in a wheel.
Above all, DO NOT EXCEED THE
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
of your motorcycle! You might find
that figure on the plate attached to the
steering head; sometimes it is found
on the frame; but the best place to look
is in the owner’s manual. It is written
in pounds, and it includes the weight
of the motorcycle, all gasoline, oil and
coolant, the rider(s), and the luggage.
IN A WORD:
DON’T
Alcohol is a depressant. The first
thing to go is your judgment – and
good judgment is essential. Bad
judgment gets you into trouble.
Drinking riders tend to run off the road
more often, have a high percentage of
rider error, and use excessive speed
for conditions around them. Those are
the statistics – and that spells trouble.
It takes a long time for the effects of
alcohol to be cleared from your body,
roughly one hour for each bottle of
beer, glass of wine, or shot of liquor.
Nothing but time will shed that
alcohol – not showers, coffee,
or other so-called remedies.
Have a couple of beers if you
wish, but have them at home. Then
you don’t have to go anywhere
afterward. If you are going to drink,
don’t even think about riding.
Alcohol is not the only drug that
affects your ability to ride safely.
Whether it is an over-the-counter,
prescription, or illegal drug, it may
have side-effects that increase the risks
of riding. Even common cold
medicines could make you drowsy –
too drowsy to ride – and mixing
alcohol and drugs is even more
dangerous than using either alone.
Drugs, Drinking & Driving
W
Drugs, Drinking & Riding
e kid you not. Mixing
alcohol or other drugs
with motorcycles is like
putting nitro with glycerine:
there’s a dangerous reaction.
55
Conclusion
Conclusion
There is no conclusion.
Motorcycling is a constant learning experience.
Y
ou’ll never know all there
is to know about riding.
But a year from now, you’ll
know a lot more than you
know now – and 10 years
from now; 50 years from
now. If Methuselah had been
a motorcyclist, he’d have
learned quite a bit in his 969
years – but not everything.
Go forth, have a good
time, don’t do anything
foolish, and we’ll see you on
the road. It’s going to be a
great ride!
56
INTRODUCTION
T
INTRODUCTION
his booklet describes several
exercises which you can practice by
yourself or with a friend. The exercises
will help you develop the skills you
need to pass the motorcycle skill test
and receive your license.* The proper
execution of these exercises will also
help prepare you for various traffic
situations. Do not attempt these
exercises unless you can already
perform basic skills such as using the
clutch and throttle correctly, shifting,
and riding in a straight line. If you do
not have these basic skills, be sure to
seek instruction before practicing the
skills in this guide. Of course, the best
place to learn to ride is in a quality rider
education program.
58 * Contact your local licensing agency for exact layout of the skill test in your area.
Take the guide with you for reference when you practice.
Keep practicing until you can do each exercise without a problem.
Do not practice for more than one or two hours at a time. When you get
tired, you cannot practice effectively.
INTRODUCTION
Read the entire guide before you practice.
A mobile app version of this Practice Guide featuring videos of each
exercise is available. Visit msf-usa.org for details.
find the ridercourse nearest you by calling
(800) 446-9227,
or by visiting msf-usa.org
59
INTRODUCTION
Choosing a Practice Area
A well-marked parking lot is the best
practice area. Be aware, however, of
oil left by parked cars. Look for
parking lots that are not used all the
time at shopping centers, schools,
churches or community centers. For
instance, you might use a school lot in
the evening hours, or a shopping
center early in the morning.
Once you’ve selected a suitable
location, it’s important to gain
permission from the owner.
Keep this basic parking lot diagram
in mind when setting up the exercises.
If the parking lot you choose doesn’t
have lines, use the dimensions
diagrammed here. Mark them using a
tape measure and chalk.
60
Traffic is your greatest concern.
Make sure you check to the front, sides
and rear before doing an exercise.
Also, make sure you watch out for
children and animals and be
considerate of others in the area.
The practice exercises are not
dangerous. However, a few safety
precautions should be followed:
Wear proper protective
clothing that includes: helmet,
eye protection, gloves, boots
or shoes that cover the ankles,
long pants, and long-sleeved
shirt or jacket.
Inspect the motorcycle for
defects before you start. If
you are not familiar with the
inspection procedures for your
motorcycle, check the owner’s
manual.
If possible, take a friend
along to:
A. Watch out for traffic.
B. Help you if anything goes
wrong.
WHAT TO BRING
INTRODUCTION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Bring 6 small objects that you can
use as markers. Milk cartons or
plastic bottles with a little water or
sand in the bottom work well. Do
not leave them at the practice area
when you leave. If you cannot find
any small objects, bring some chalk
to draw markers on the pavement.
Check the practice area for
loose gravel, glass, oil left by
parked cars, or other things
that could be a problem.
61
EXERCISE 1
Normal Stop in a Straight Line
Practicing this exercise will help you stop smoothly,
such as for stoplights and stop signs.
Accelerate straight ahead across the
parking lot between 15-20 mph (shift to
second gear). Begin to slow down and
downshift at the first marker. Try to
come to a smooth nonskidding stop
with your front tire next to the last
marker.
Keep head and eyes up.
Keep the motorcycle on a straight
course.
Gradually apply both brakes and
squeeze the clutch, downshifting
to first gear at the same time.
Keep the clutch squeezed in.
Do not release the front and rear
brakes until you come to a
complete stop.
When stopped, the left foot
should come to the ground first.
62
EXERCISE 1
Common Problems
Basic Corrections
1. Rear tire skids.
2. Overshooting marker.
1. Apply less pressure on the rear brake.
2. Begin slowing and braking sooner, or try
3. Unstable during stop.
3. Keep head and eyes up during stop.
slightly more pressure on the brakes.
Delay braking until necessary.
63
Exercise 2
Quick Stop in a Straight Line
Practicing this exercise will help you stop quickly when
something suddenly appears in your path.
Directions
Approach marker 1, upshifting to second gear. As your front tire passes
marker 1, downshift and begin braking.
Try to stop before marker 2. Practice
this at 10 mph, then 15 mph, then 20
mph. Do not exceed 20 mph.
Coaching Tips
Keep head and eyes up.
When stopping, apply both
brakes and squeeze the clutch,
downshifting to first gear. Keep
the clutch squeezed in.
Keep handlebars straight.
Squeeze front brake – don’t grab.
Do not release brakes until fully
stopped.
When stopped, the left foot
should touch the ground first.
64
Exercise 2
Common Problems
Basic Corrections
1.
Overshooting the final marker.
1.
2.
Motorcycle slides sideways, or leans to
one side.
2. Sit straight on seat and do not turn
3.
Engine overrevs when using the front
brake.
3. Close the throttle before braking.
Apply more pressure to brakes;
however, avoid locking front brake by
squeezing, not grabbing, the lever.
handlebars, look straight ahead. NOTE:
If the rear wheel inadvertently locks,
keep steering the motorcycle straight.
Squeeze the front brake with all four
fingers. Avoid pulling back on the
throttle when applying pressure to the
front brake.
65
Exercise 3
Weaves
Practicing these exercises will help you in making lane changes
in traffic or changes in direction.
Directions
Coaching Tips
Drill 1 – 30-foot Weave – Begin at one
end of the parking lot lines or
markers. Go to the right of the first
marker, left of the second, right of
the third, and so on. Practice this
at 15 mph.
Keep head and eyes up and
knees in.
Drill 2 – 20-foot Weave – Proceed the
same as you did in the 30-foot
Weave. Practice this at 15 mph.
66
Weave by pressing on the handlebars in the direction you want to
go. (Press right handgrip to lean
right; press left handgrip to lean
left.)
Maintain a steady speed.
Do not brake while performing
weave.
Exercise 3
Common Problems
Basic Corrections
1. Swinging too wide away from markers.
1. Keep eyes up, looking forward, decrease
2. Hitting markers.
2. Keep eyes up, looking forward, increase
3. Too much handlebar movement.
3. Maintain a steady, stable speed.
lean angle; press less on the handlebars.
lean angle slightly; press more on the
handlebars.
Don’t
slow down or brake.
67
Exercise 4
Basic Turns
Practicing this exercise will help you with turning
such as in curves on highways and winding roads.
Directions
Ride around the oval indicated by
markers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Adjust
your speed on the straightaways by
braking as necessary before the turn.
Hold a steady throttle around the
markers at the ends of the oval.
Repeat the exercise in the other
direction.
68
Coaching Tips
Beginning speed of 10-15 mph.
Slow down before the turn. Brake
if necessary.
Keep your head up and looking
throughout the turn, far and near,
as well as to the sides. Lean with
the motorcycle.
Hold a steady speed or roll on
the throttle gently through the
turn.
Exercise 4
Common Problems
1.
Swinging wide of the turn.
Basic Corrections
1. Turn your head in the direction of the turn.
Apply more pressure on the inside handlebar to lean more.
2. Cutting corner too close or turning too
2. Turn your head in the direction of the turn.
3. Exiting wide out of the turn, making the
3. Slow more before the turn.
sharply.
oval into a circle.
Do not look down. Apply less pressure to
the inside handlebar. Keep a steady throttle.
Turn your
head in the direction of the turn. Apply
more pressure on the inside handlebar to
lean more.
69
Exercise 5
Normal Turns
Practicing this exercise will help you further refine your turning skills.
Directions
Start, facing marker 1 at a distance
sufficient enough to increase speed to
15-20 mph. At point “A,” reduce
speed, using both brakes. As you start
your turn at marker 1, look to the exit
point and gently roll on the throttle
throughout the turn. Roll on past
marker 3 and stop beyond marker 4.
Practice turning in both directions.
70
Coaching Tips
Slow down before the turn using
both brakes. (Before marker 1.)
Look through the turn, far and
near, as well as to the sides.
Lean with the motorcycle.
Gradually increase speed
throughout the turn. (Past
marker 3.)
Exercise 5
Common Problems
Basic Corrections
1. Swinging wide of the turn.
1. Slow down more before entering the turn,
2. Cutting corner too close or turning too
2. Keep head and eyes up.
3. Slowing and motorcycle tends to
3. Keep a smooth, steady throttle or slightly
sharply.
straighten up.
turn your head in the direction of the turn,
press more on the inside handlebar.
Do not look
down. Turn your head in the direction of
the turn. Press less on inside handlebar.
increase throttle to stabilize motorcycle.
71
Exercise 6a
Sharp Turns Without Stopping
Practicing this exercise will help you to make sharp turns such as
pulling out of parking spaces or driveways, and turning into a driveway
or onto a narrow street.
Directions
Begin riding straight across the parking
lot, increasing speed to approximately
10 mph. Just before reaching the
“Begin Turning” markers, slow down
and use both brakes to adjust your
speed. Then release the brakes, turn
the handlebars, lean the motorcycle
slightly in the direction of the turn and
turn your head, looking through the
intended path of travel. Use controlled
clutch release and throttle as you make
the sharp turn. Practice finishing your
turn inside line “A,” without touching it.
72
Coaching Tips
Use both brakes to reduce speed
before the turn.
Keep head and eyes up; look
through the turn to achieve a
good visual picture of what lies
ahead.
Turn the handlebars and lean the
motorcycle in the direction of the
turn.
Use smooth clutch release and
throttle as you exit.
Exercise 6a
Common Problems
Basic Corrections
1. Turning too short or too long.
1. Keep head and eyes up and look
2. Motorcycle stalls.
2. Use clutch and throttle smoothly to
3. Motorcycle begins to fall into the turn.
3. Keep head and eyes up and look through
through the turn.
maintain necessary power to rear wheel.
the turn, keep just enough momentum
after braking to carry you through the turn.
4. Traveling too fast to make turn.
4. Slow adequately with both brakes
before turning.
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Exercise 6b
Sharp Turns from a Stop
Practicing this exercise properly will help you make sharp turns from a stop
such as exiting a parking lot or turning into a narrow street.
Directions
Start at “Begin Turning” markers with
the motorcycle straight. Turn the handlebars, lean the motorcycle slightly in
the direction you are turning, and turn
your head to look through the intended
path of travel. Use controlled clutch
release and throttle as you make the
sharp turn.
Finish your turn as close to line “A” as
you can without touching it.
74
Coaching Tips
Keep head and eyes up; look
through the turn so you can
judge its sharpness and length.
Turn the handlebars and lean the
motorcycle in the direction of
the turn.
Use smooth clutch release and
throttle as you exit.
Exercise 6b
Common Problems
Basic Corrections
1. Turning too short or too long.
1. Keep head and eyes up and look
2. Motorcycle stalls or begins to fall into
2. Concentrate on maintaining steady
the turn.
through the turn.
speed or slight acceleration and smooth
clutch release. Look through the turn.
75
Exercise 7
Obstacle Swerve
Practicing this exercise will help you swerve to avoid a potential hazard.
Directions
With about 100' lead-in, approach the
first pair of markers. As you reach
the markers you should be going
10-15 mph. As your front tire passes
the first pair of markers, make a
swerve (right or left) avoiding the
imaginary barrier or obstacle. Make
sure you’ve decided on which direction
you intend to go before starting the
exercise. Do not stop or apply brakes
while performing the swerve.
76
Coaching Tips
To swerve right, press right until
you have cleared the markers,
then press left to resume straight
ahead.
Keep head and eyes up and
knees in.
Press on the handlebar in the
direction you want to go.
(Press right handgrip to go right;
press left handgrip to go left.)
Do not brake and swerve at the
same time.
Exercise 7
Common Problem
1. Unable to properly complete the
swerve.
Basic Correction
1. Keep a steady speed.
Maintain
pressure on the handlebar until you
have cleared the marker, then press on
opposite handgrip to straighten into the
new path.
77
Exercise 8
Normal Stop on a Curve
Practicing this exercise will help you stop smoothly in a curve.
Directions
Ride to the outside of line “A,”
upshifting to second gear. As you
reach marker 1, turn in the curved path
indicated by markers 2, 3, and 4. Once
you enter the curved path, gradually
apply both brakes and downshift. Do
not release the clutch. Try to come to
a smooth stop with your front tire next
to marker 3. Practice this at 10 mph,
then at 15 mph.
Coaching Tips
Keep head and eyes up; maintain
a good visual picture of where
you are going.
Straighten up the motorcycle and
square the handlebars before you
stop completely.
Use both brakes smoothly to stop.
Keep feet on pegs until almost
stopped.
When stopped, the left foot
should touch the ground first,
and you should be in first gear.
Do not grab the front brake or
skid either tire.
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Exercise 8
Common Problems
Basic Corrections
1. Overshooting the final marker.
1. Gradually apply more pressure to the
2.
Motorcycle nearly falls over.
2. Just before stopping be sure the handle-
3.
Rear wheel skids.
brakes as motorcycle straightens more.
bars are square with the motorcycle.
Keep eyes up. Don’t grab front brake.
3.
Apply less pressure on the rear brake
and make sure the motorcycle is
straight up as you stop.
79
Exercise 9
80
Quick Stop on a Curve
Practicing this exercise will help you stop quickly
when something suddenly appears in your path on a curve.
Directions
Coaching Tips
Ride to the outside of line “A.” Start,
facing marker 1 at a distance sufficient
enough to increase speed to 10-15
mph in first gear. As you reach marker
1, turn in the curved path indicated by
markers 2, 3, and 4. When your front
tire passes marker 2, first straighten
the motorcycle, then begin braking.
You should be stopped before marker
3. Practice this at 10 mph, then 15
mph. Do not exceed 15 mph.
Keep head and eyes up; scan
throughout the turn.
Straighten motorcycle, then apply
both brakes, stopping as quickly
as possible.
Keep feet on pegs until almost
stopped.
When stopped, the left foot
should touch the ground first.
Do not grab the front brake or
skid either tire.
Exercise 9
1.
Overshooting the final marker.
1.
2.
Motorcycle nearly falls over.
2. Straighten up the motorcycle first, then
3. Rear wheel skids.
Apply maximum pressure to the brakes
once motorcycle is straightened from
the lean angle.
apply the brakes. Be sure the handlebars are square with the motorcycle.
Keep eyes up. Don’t grab front brake.
3. Apply less pressure on the rear brake
and make sure the motorcycle is
straight up as you stop.
81
Fourth Edition, First Printing: November 2013
Illustrations: George Toomer
For more information contact:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
(949) 727-3227 •msf-usa.org
For the rider training location nearest you call:
(800) 446-9227
© 1988-2013 Motorcycle Safety Foundation
For more information contact:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
(949) 727-3227 •msf-usa.org
For the rider training location nearest you call: (800) 446-9227
© 1988-2013 Motorcycle Safety Foundation
PN-MSPU3425NC00